Page 3 of Ruthless God

Half way through, Lili goes to put the baby down. I glance over at Harvey, whose eyes are shut.

“I’m beat. I think I’m going to go to bed,” I say.

He doesn’t answer, so I slip from the couch and go to my room. Luckily for me, I kept the clothes I wore the last time I worked for Jade. I mean, some of them are hella cute.

In my closet, I grab a few options and shove them in a backpack.

Lili is rocking Raquel when I peek my head in her room.

“Hey, I’m going out for a bit.”

“Okay.” She yawns. “I’ll probably call it a night soon.”

“See you in the morning.”

In the living room, Harvey is still fast asleep. I grab my keys from the table by the door and am almost outside when he speaks.

“Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“Cecely.”

“Harvey.” I wait a beat. “I won’t be gone long.”

The fib rolls off my tongue easily, but my bestie doesn’t buy it.

He sits. “Cecely, I’m serious. Don’t do this.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I blow him a kiss as I leave the apartment, rushing down the stairs just in case he follows.

Once I’m safely in my car, I start the engine and crank the volume on the radio, belting out Taylor Swift as I drive.

Not once do I have a moment where I wonder if I’m doing the right thing. Not once do I fear Harvey won’t forgive me, or worse, not take the money I’m going to literally shake my ass for. Because we’ve always had each other’s backs. This is no different.

Purple Panther Hideaway stakes its claim along a bustling highway lined with clubs, each vying for attention in the neon glow of the night. But we’re not just another stop on the strip. Weownthe spotlight. Vivid violet lights slice through thedarkness, all eyes inevitably drawn to the sleek obsidian panther poised atop our roof. The statue isn’t just decoration. It’s a promise, a warning, a symbol of the power and mystery that waits inside. The pulsing bass from within seeps through the walls, a siren call to anyone looking for a night they won’t forget.

Oh, and let’s be real. We have the best girls in Dallas. Hands down.

But the front and back of the club are two different stories. As I park, I notice the parking lotstillhasn’t been paved. Guess the big boss is too busy snorting and drinking all the money he makes to actually do anything to improve the club. Heaven forbid, right? Grabbing my gym bag, I lock my car and go through the back door. Jesus. There’s not even a bouncer sitting by the door.

“Jade?”

“In the office,” Jade calls back.

I wave at a few of the girls I know as I weave through the dimly lit hallway, their laughter and perfume lingering in the air. The bass from the main floor hums beneath my feet, a steady pulse that never quite fades. My destination? The so-called “office.” Calling it that is generous. In reality, it’s a glorified janitor’s closet—cramped, stuffy, and barely big enough for one person. But somehow, Jade has made it her throne, squeezing in a tiny desk, a chair, and a world of attitude. Me and all my curves? Yeah, fitting in there would be a joke.

I tap on the neon-purple door, and Jade’s head snaps up, her grin sharp and knowing. She hasn’t changed a bit since the last time I was here. She’s still effortlessly seductive, like she was born to toy with men’s hearts. Petite and sinfully stunning, she moves with the confidence that could make a saint rethink their vows.

Her jet-black hair is cut into a razor-sharp bob, and every time she shifts, flashes of emerald-green highlights catch thelight like hidden jewels. It puts my dirty-blonde hair to shame. Tonight, she’s wrapped in a silky mini-kimono, the deep hues making her green eyes glow. Her lips are painted a bold, unapologetic red, a striking contrast against her golden-brown skin.

With a delighted squeal, she jumps to her feet, reaching out to pull me into a quick side-hug.

“It’s good to see you, Cecely!” She gives me a naughty grin. “Or, should I say, Ruby!”

I groan. “No.”

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